Kingdom Power and Prosperity

2 Chronicles 1:13-17

   13 So Solomon came to Jerusalem from the high place that was at Gibeon, from before the tabernacle of meeting, and reigned over Israel. 14 And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen; he had one thousand four hundred chariots and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he stationed in the chariot cities and with the king in Jerusalem. 15 Also the king made silver and gold as common in Jerusalem as stones, and he made cedars as abundant as the sycamores which are in the lowland.
    16 And Solomon had horses imported from Egypt and Keveh; the king's merchants bought them in Keveh at the current price. 17 They also acquired and imported from Egypt a chariot for six hundred shekels of silver, and a horse for one hundred and fifty; thus, through their agents, they exported them to all the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Syria.

As Nahum 2:1 says, “Man the fort! Watch the road! Strengthen your flanks! Fortify your power mightily.”  This is what Solomon did to ensure the peace of Jerusalem and the kingdom; he strengthened the military power of his realm, but he did not stop there.  The king also was blessed by God to add economic prosperity as another power of the kingdom to back that military as well as to engage in sales to neighboring kings for continuing economic success.  This was king Solomon’s military and economic power which he realized was given by God’s grace and imparted wisdom, not of his own efforts alone.  He therefore strengthened the kingdom against any who would oppose or attack, manning the walls of the city of David while keeping a watchful eye on the road outside.  He strengthened behind as well as in front and fortified the capital and kingdom for the LORD and His glory in His people, watching against sneak attacks and frontal assaults by increasing defense and bolstering the economy of Israel.  Prosperity and peace reigned for quite a while until Solomon later strayed away, being caught up in the idolatry of many unbelieving wives and concubines.  What good we learn here to encourage us is to rely on God’s provision and providence while supplying our willful participation in obedience to His word and will.  Then, as we follow Joshua 1:8 to abide in the written and living word, we will find peace in the soul’s prosperity in heavenly riches of the Kingdom of Christ.  We man our spiritual fortifications with a watchful eye (1 Peter 4:7, 1 Corinthians 16:13) as we build up our faith in the power of His Spirit in the inward man to fight the good fight of the gospel and defend the truth in love.